Three Fali Betrothal Dolls, Glass Beads & Old Coins

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Three Fali Betrothal Dolls, Glass Beads & Old Coins

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Sold Date: 04/29/2008
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

African Tribal Art

2 Fali Dolls

Nigeria

Material: wood, beads, coins Condition: use & wear, overall good Size: approx 12, 14, 20 cm Weight: 3 kg ref FA-3

Fali Dolls

Nigeria

A pair of beautiful Fali dolls from the border region between Cameroon and Nigeria.

These figures are made when a young Fali couple becomes betrothed. The man carves a doll and his sisters, mothers and aunts cover it in beadwork. He presents it to his beloved, who keeps the item safe until they are married and have their first child. Only then can the doll be given away or sold.

These three dolls are covered in strings of glass beads of various colours and sizes. The "limbs" are made of large beads. Interestingly, the "hands" and "feet" are made of British West Africa coins dating from the 1930's and 1940's. These were minted with a hole for payments to tribal Nigerians, who attached them to many artefacts.

Please note that these are heavy items -- these three dolls contain around six pounds of glass in the form of beads!

Condition is good, with minor insect damage to the wooden base of one of the dolls.

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Shipping Cost For This Item United States $55 Europe $52 Australasia $58

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